Clinical analysis of play skills in children with autistic spectrum disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to compare free playing in children on the autistic spectrum by two instruments of evaluation. These instruments were the analysis of the transcripts, focusing on psychoanalysis, and analysis through the behavioral observation protocol of theoretical source of social cognition. From this comparison, it was aimed to analyze the contributions of these two forms of analysis of playing to think about therapeutic intervention. Study participants were three mothers and their children. The procedures consisted of initial interview with the mothers and 30 minutes of footage of each dyad in interaction situations in free playing. The results obtained using the protocol and the transcript reveal points of convergence and divergence, as the analysis of functionality and level of symbolism in the playing of children. While observational assessment provides a qualitative look to confirm or refute data protocol, it provides quantitative data for comparing each subject to different populations, allowing also the data to confirm or not the impressions that come from a qualitative look.